Glee as learners receive school uniforms from NPO
A hundred learners from a total of 19 schools received full school uniforms from Siphilisiwe Organisation.
ONE HUNDRED children now have one thing less to worry about when it comes to their schooling.
Local NPO Siphilisiwe Organisation celebrating 12 years of community services, donated full school uniforms to children at the Queensburgh Civic Hall.
Established in 2005, the organisation specialises in services of social care and creates awareness and prevention of social ills and works closely with offenders through their reintegration programmes.
“Ward 65 is without school premises. Children in this ward attend schools in the neighbouring areas. Community workers did door-to-door tours to identify children in need in the seven voting districts of the ward: Burlington and surrounds, Hillary, Seaview, Umhlathuzana-Mount Vernon (informal settlement), Arundell Flats, Bellair and parts of Malvern,” said founder, Thandi Mabhida.
A total of 19 schools were selected and sponsorship came from businesses and Izenzozinhle Pty Ltd sponsored all uniforms distributed.
“The children and parents were very excited, especially teachers who came to see the children receive their uniforms for themselves. Children without school uniforms do not feel they belong in a school environment. It is my prayer and hope that the seed that we have planted in their lives will speak volumes to them. They will have a sense of belonging and overcome all other teenage challenges,” she said.
Mabhida said she was honoured to have worked with an amazing team on this project. Nomhle Kuboni, Thalente Biyela, Sfiso Mncibi and BP Maphumulo all helped from this project’s inception.
“I would like to thank all stakeholders who participated in this project. Special thanks to Ward cllr Samantha Windvogel and PR cllr Lindiwe Mthembu for buying into the vision. To the eThekwini Community Participation Ward 65 Warroom, DSW, Malvern SAPS, Durban Community Corrections, Escombe Metro Police, NGOs Ingcweti Youth Organisation and Hlelokuhle Ngempilo Yami Rehabilitation Organisation,” she added.
“Children need to understand the importance of education. Simpillisiwe Organisation has excelled in coming up with an initiative like this. Other organisations should follow suit in coming on board to bring change by motivating and encouraging our youth. I’m open and available to assist any organisation. It is time to stand up and be more proactive in your community. Be the change that you want to see,” said Ward 65 cllr, Samantha Windvogel.
If you would like to assist the organisation in any way, visit their offices at The River Church House on 211 Main Road, Malvern or call 071 491 0008 or 031 837 1081.
